What is cystectomy and when is it performed?

Cystectomy is a type of surgery performed for invasive bladder cancer and, depending on the severity and extent of the cancer, part or all of the bladder may need to be removed, as well as other nearby structures, such as the prostate and seminal glands., in the case of men, and the uterus, the ovary and part of the vagina, in the case of women.

This surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can be performed through a cut in the abdomen or several small cuts through which a device with a microcamera at its end passes.

  • Cystectomy is the most appropriate type of treatment for stage 2 bladder cancer.
  • When the tumor reaches the bladder muscle layer.
  • Or 3.
  • When it passes through the muscle layer of the bladder and reaches the tissues around it.

Therefore, depending on the extent and severity of bladder cancer, your doctor may choose two types of cystectomy:

Although most women who have this type of surgery have already gone through menopause, many may still have an active sex life, a factor that is taken into account at the time of surgery.In addition, men of childbearing potential should also consider the consequences of surgery, as radical cystectomy can remove the prostate and seminal glands, interfering with sperm production and storage.

Cystectomy is performed under general anesthesia by a cut in the abdomen or by several small cuts, using a device containing a micro camera in your limb to visualize the pelvis internally, this technique is called laparoscopic cystectomy.Understand how laparoscopic surgery is performed.

Your doctor generally recommends stopping the use of medications that may interfere with blood clotting and that the patient fast for at least 8 hours before surgery.After surgery, it is recommended that the person rest for about 30 days, avoiding making efforts.

In the case of partial cystectomy, bladder reconstruction surgery is not necessary, but the bladder may not be able to hold much urine, which may make the person want to go to the bathroom several times a day; however, in the case of radical cystectomy, surgery is needed to construct a new pathway for the storage and extraction of urine, as well as for the reconstruction of the vaginal canal, in the case of women.

After surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy is normal to prevent the proliferation of new tumor cells, and it is also normal for blood to be detected in the urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, and urinary incontinence, for example.other bladder cancer treatment options.

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